A cut above chick lit, Dessen's tale of an It girl who only seems to have it all has sharply drawn characters, serious themes, and a page-turner of a plot. Aimed at high schoolers, it has Mom appeal too.
—People Magazine
Dessen is a sharp observer of modern teen life. The finely nuanced characters she creates have life and breath, talents and flaws. It's no wonder girls can't get enough. She's writing about them.
—Miami Herald
Just Listen is a book that is definately worth saving. I have never met anyone who read it and didn't like it. There are two others in 1/2 block who would also like to save this book, and I think that just goes to show how much of an impact this book makes on teen girls. I think all three of us can agree that this book tackles some huge issues with grace and Sarah Dessen makes sure to throw in some really cute ideas. One of my favorite parts of this book is when Annabel takes Owen to the car wash because even terrible music always sounds better in the car wash. I also like how the issues in this book are very common ones that can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, girls are raped every day. This book shows a girl who is hurt really badly, and with the help of a totally cool guy, manages to pull through it and everything else that's going on. Annabel's sister is also battling her own demons. Whitney is anorexic, which also happens to way too many girls. Annabel feels alienated at school after her friendship with Sophie, who was her best friend, is severed. I have fought with friends and I think everyone else has, too. This book is a very realistic book with very realistic characters. Sarah Dessen weaves together a really amazing story in Just Listen and I think it would be a shame to lose this book.
A cut above chick lit, Dessen's tale of an It girl who only seems to have it all has sharply drawn characters, serious themes, and a page-turner of a plot. Aimed at high schoolers, it has Mom appeal too.
—People Magazine
Dessen is a sharp observer of modern teen life. The finely nuanced characters she creates have life and breath, talents and flaws. It's no wonder girls can't get enough. She's writing about them.
—Miami Herald
Just Listen is a book that is definately worth saving. I have never met anyone who read it and didn't like it. There are two others in 1/2 block who would also like to save this book, and I think that just goes to show how much of an impact this book makes on teen girls. I think all three of us can agree that this book tackles some huge issues with grace and Sarah Dessen makes sure to throw in some really cute ideas. One of my favorite parts of this book is when Annabel takes Owen to the car wash because even terrible music always sounds better in the car wash. I also like how the issues in this book are very common ones that can happen to anyone. Unfortunately, girls are raped every day. This book shows a girl who is hurt really badly, and with the help of a totally cool guy, manages to pull through it and everything else that's going on. Annabel's sister is also battling her own demons. Whitney is anorexic, which also happens to way too many girls. Annabel feels alienated at school after her friendship with Sophie, who was her best friend, is severed. I have fought with friends and I think everyone else has, too. This book is a very realistic book with very realistic characters. Sarah Dessen weaves together a really amazing story in Just Listen and I think it would be a shame to lose this book.
Molly Duncan